On being a tourist in Paris

As I have now spent an entire week in France, I have gathered various bits and pieces about the general public opinion on tourism in Paris.

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So far in class we have spoken and read a lot about the long and complicated relationship between France and America. How it seems to be a sort of married relationship of ups and downs, of arguments, and insults, but remains a solid relationship in the end. After all, France has been an ally of the United States since its birth during the Revolutionary War. There is so much shared history between the two countries, no matter how much they may despise each other in a certain way, they have always supported and admired each other.

Before coming to Paris, I was quite concerned about how I would be perceived as an American tourist that does not speak French, fumbling my way through the city. I was warned that the French did not like Americans, because we are loud and ignorant, while visiting their country without speaking the language. Even during our orientation we were warned to be as respectful as possible, by trying to act reserved and to not smile at strangers on the street like we do in the States. I pictured myself running into all sorts of situations in France, not being able to communicate, or not being able to conform to French etiquette, and getting dirty looks from the cashiers for not having exact change.

In many ways I did dramatize the situation I was in, but not all of this is untrue and some of these awkward confrontations surely did occur. There have been times when I can tell that people look at me when I laugh a little too loudly, mumble under their breath when they see me walk by wearing sneakers and a backpack, or shake their heads annoyed when I ask, "Parlez vous anglais?"

There have even been multiple accounts when locals have not so quietly mocked, or said even straight to my face, "Ohhh! Chinese!!!" then proceeded to speak in some sort of gibberish Chinese. I understand that they are tired of the intense congestion in the city due to tourism, much of which may be from China or Asia in general, but a major source for France's thriving economy and high GDP is, in fact, the tourism industry.

I don't think that these experiences are that far removed from the general anti-immigration sentiment that many European countries are feeling, exacerbated by the current refugee crisis. The idea of national identity and building a wall between "us" and "them," has created an environment that is not only affecting refugees and migrants, but is also evident to visitors like myself. These sentiments are also what have helped stimulate and ultimately win the Brexit campaign, where many feared the disappearance of a certain type of Britain. This is the same platform that a certain presidential candidate is using to attempt to "Make America Great Again," by building political and physical barriers between those who are truly American, and those who "simply do not belong."

There surely is a balance between foreigners respecting the French way of life and adequately following the standard expectations of a visitor, but also I hope that one day the stereotype of French people being snobby and unkind to foreigners will no longer exist.

Through all of this, I recognize that my experience traveling as an Asian-American is also very unique and is not the same as other students or visitors who may not encounter these types of situations.

But overall, it is quite discouraging when you feel unwelcomed or unwanted or even ridiculed in a place that you have long admired and have always dreamed of going.

But during my time here, there have also been moments when I have felt overwhelmingly welcomed and embraced by locals. From the elderly French man at the Musée Carnavalet who passed out the complimentary passes, doing his best to speak English, saying "Free ticket! Free ticket!" in his adorable accent, and teasing one of my friends thinking that he would not give her a ticket, then handing her one with a big grin and a wink.

To the security guard at the Euro Cup FanZone, who checked on my friend sitting off to the side to see is she was alright amidst the frenzy of the game, later giving us directions on how to get back to Cité since the regular Metro stops were closed for the night, and exclaiming, "I love United States!" when he found out we were from California.

To the man who stepped onto the far end of our Metro car at 10pm playing the accordion, receiving very little attention from the passengers on the train, yet giving us a grateful wave and a friendly smile as we stepped off the train and he sped away, appreciating our fascination for his craft.

To Tommy, the waiter at Royal Turenne, who went so far out of his way to create a makeshift table and dining situation to squeeze in seven study abroad students who just wanted to watch the Euro Cup final but could not find any open seats at any local bars or restaurants.

To all these people and more that I did not mention, I say, "Merci beaucoup."

From these brief interactions, I have been reminded that amidst various social and political challenges, France is indeed a beautiful place and I am so grateful to be here.

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